"We've also put more funding into research and development for example into the development of pulses.

"I think you need to look beyond some of the nonsense that's been spoken.

"This is a Government that's intent on building up agriculture.

"There is a lot more money - millions of dollars this year alone - into research and development."

Mr Newman says the Government is committed to growing the rural sector.

"I make the point that we have a standalone agriculture department which we haven't had for the past three or four years under the previous government," he said.

"This Government believes in agriculture, believes in the future of food production in Queensland, and is putting the resources in place to make that happen."

But Deputy Opposition Leader and Member for Mackay, Tim Mulherin, disagrees, saying other areas of the agriculture sector are struggling under funding cuts.

"As far as growing the four pillars in agriculture, all we've seen is the white-anting of the [agriculture] department, with 500 jobs going, the closure of the Biosecurity laboratories, and robbing Peter to pay Paul," he said.